Cross Breeds

What types of dogs shouldn't be around ferrets?

I'm getting two ferrets in the summer, i've heard they can be okay with dogs and cats but not with some dogs. I have a terrier which i will probably not let near the ferret cos he'll probably eat him but I also have to small cavalier king charles spaniels which i'm not sure about. They're fine with the cat, they sometimes chase him but stop when they get a swipe. I've heard spaniels can be troublesome but since theyre bred to be retrievers not hunters shouldn't they be ok?

Public Comments

1. Hungry dogs. I had a terrier and a ferret and they got along just great. It depends on the temperament of the dog more than the breed IMHO.
2. It has nothing to do with what the dogs were bred for, but only the individual personality of your two dogs. This is because nowadays (as opposed to the 19th century) dogs are no longer bred for thier "job" but for the appearence. I have met very many hounds or spaniels that live side by side eith small animals without problems. Do your dogs chase squirrels or birds outside? If so, then their hunting instincts are there, and they could easily mistake the ferret as something to kill. If they chase cats, and they only stop when the cat swipes at them, a ferret is no where the size of a cat and may not able to appear threatening to the dogs.
3. these days it's not so much the breed, as it is the personality of the ferrets and dogs, although i would be a little more cautious when the ferrets are around the terrier, since they were bred to hunt things like rabbit, and other large rodents. the spaniel should be fine though.
4. Generally terriers, spaniels, and other dogs bred to hunt will chase a small animal, and could harm it. However, it will really depend on the specific dog. I have seen terriers get along just fine with small furries and dogs like pugs chase and kill them, so just be cautious. Any dog can be trained to leave them alone, with lots of work and patience, but never leave them alone together even for a second, even if you're sure the dog won't hurt the ferrets, and supervise very carefully when they are in the same room. If you're very cautious, you'll do just fine.
5. I really don't think it matters what dogs you have. Just place the ferret cage in a higher place away from the dogs. & when you want the ferret to get exercise out of the cage just, close off the dogs in another room.